Reporting Child Abuse

If a student suspects or witnesses child abuse in the practicum site, they are required (by law) to report the incident.

Under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act any person who has “reasonable and probable grounds” to believe that a child [or youth] is being harmed or in danger of being harmed has an obligation to report it. This means that if the student believes that a child [or youth] has been abandoned, is being neglected, physically injured, emotionally injured or sexually abused, they need to report.

Procedure for Reporting:

1. The student will communicate their concerns with the Site Supervisor and the Faculty Supervisor immediately
2. The Faculty Supervisor will: Discuss the incident and have the student document the incident. They will inform the student of their responsibility to report the incident to Children and Family Services and support the student with the reporting process. The Faculty Supervisor will gather all the relevant documentation including the logbook, journals and observations; and reinforce the necessity of confidentiality around the situation. The documentation gathered will be placed in a secure folder in the Dept of Child Studies and Social Work.
3. The student will report the incident to the local Child and Family Services Agency
4. The Faculty Supervisor will inform the Field Director, Practicum Coordinator, and Department Chair as soon as possible
5. While the reporting and investigation process proceeds, students may continue in the practicum setting, though be made aware that any contacts or requests for information from the agency about the incident should come through Children and Family Services
6. In consultation with practicum student, the Faculty Supervisor and Field Director, will determine the status of the practicum placement (e.g. if a student can continue or determine an alternate practicum site)